As protests against institutional racism and police brutality continue across the United States in the wake of George Floyd's death, Specialized founder Mike Sinyard released a statement outlining the company's plans to encourage inclusion and diversity in cycling and personally He pledged additional funding.

The message, sent to partners and retailers on Thursday, reflects that cycling has a racial inequality problem, adding that the company has played a part. Sinyard added that sometimes moments of crisis can lead to real change.

"This is not a normal year," Sinyard wrote, "since mid-March, you and your families have had your daily lives, social lives, and activities completely disrupted, with no idea what kind of routine awaits you in the future.

"While we are pushing hard toward the future, I want to acknowledge that this moment is particularly painful. In these times, the bicycle, and the work that each of you are doing to change lives through bicycling, is more important than ever.

"Reflecting on the current protest movement, I recognize that cycling, which can have such a positive impact on people's lives, also has a race problem, and Specialized has contributed to that problem. But I truly believe that in times of crisis, we have the greatest opportunity to make a difference and make a difference."

Since 2015, Specialized has run its own public nonprofit program called Outride (formerly the Specialized Foundation), which aims to improve the lives of young people through cycling.

But Sinyard said more must be done, adding that he will personally donate $10 million to the foundation over the next three years.

"Through Outride, we have done this in a unique way by removing barriers to safe access to bicycles and places to ride them for all children, and in doing so, changing the face of cycling forever. But it is not enough. We need to go farther and faster," Sinyard writes. [We believe in the transformative power of bicycling to empower the next generation of riders, and together with Outride, we will commit $10 million over the next three years to accelerate the great work the organization is doing to provide schools, youth development programs, and safe places to ride.

The additional funds will also be used to support the Legion Los Angeles Elite Cycling Team, a team founded by American criterium champion Justin Williams to increase representation in professional cycling. Specialized is already a sponsor of the team and will provide further funding and use as the team sees fit.

The team recently launched a Gofundme fundraiser (open in new tab) to support its initiative to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport through new events, junior programs, and rider grants.

"Apart from our sponsorship, we are providing additional funding to the US-based Legion Los Angeles Elite Cycling Team to support their work to increase diversity and encourage inclusion in cycling.

"It is time for all of us to stop talking and start listening. Discrimination and prejudice of any kind has no place on our team or in our community of riders"

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"As our sport and community grows, the faces, thoughts, and perspectives of the people we will be riding with will be different than what we are used to today. We will listen to each other, learn from each other, share trails and paths with each other, and fight for each other."

"We believe that cycling can change lives and that together we can pedal our way forward on the planet."

Specialized and Sinyard's move is the latest response by bicycle manufacturers to the ongoing protests.

Last week, Fuji's North American distributor, BikeCo. announced that it will stop selling bicycles to police in the U.S. in response to police actions during protests.

Trek also supplies bicycles to police departments and is expected to issue a statement regarding the use of bicycles by police, but the company will not follow Fuji's move.

Where to Donate

These funds have been set up to support protesters, families of victims, and black businesses and charities in the US and abroad. If you are able, please consider setting up a recurring donation to one of the following organizations to provide sustained support beyond this moment.

Campaign Zero - Launched by Black Lives Matter activists, Campaign Zero is a national organization that works with lawmakers at all levels to end police brutality and systemic racism through thoroughly researched policy solutions It is.

Reclaim the Block - Founded in 2015, this group organizes local Minneapolis communities and city councils to redirect funds from police departments to other initiatives that promote health and safety.

Black Lives Matter Resources - The linked Black Lives Matter website includes a comprehensive list of donors: victims, protesters, black businesses, legal defense funds, and black communities and "Black Lives Matter" movements and fundraisers large and small that support the black community and the "Black Lives Matter" movement.

The Marshall Project - non-profit journalism." Aims to create and maintain a national sense of urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system."

NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund - One of America's largest legal organizations fighting for racial justice. It focuses on litigation, education, and advocacy.

Bail Bonds - A list of places to donate if you want to contribute to bail bonds for protesters arrested in Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, and many other cities; with ActBlue, you can easily split your donation among many funds, but be aware that the organization charges its own transaction fees

Last week's events.

Coming to terms with the events of the past week has not been easy. Violence and anger are sometimes almost incomprehensible. As we all struggle to understand how to cope and what to do, we have found several videos, books, and articles that can be helpful. We have tried to combine materials that provide context and broaden our understanding.

7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Now - For readers who need emotional support, writer Jesse Sparks has compiled a list of virtual mental health resources serving the black community, Black See also Girls Smile's list of resources.

Bad Form Review's Reading List - books on institutional racism in the US, the Black Lives Matter movement, social justice, etc., and links to independent bookstores.

For White Friends Who Want to Be Allies - Courtney Ariel's article is a great outline for white people who want to help elevate others without inadvertently talking about themselves.

Anti-Racism Resources for White People - A comprehensive list of anti-racism media, including movies to watch, essays to read, and people to follow to further educate yourself.

The Case for Redemption - A deeply reported article by Ta-Nehisi Coates that uses personal stories to illustrate the damage caused by centuries of racist government policies.

What does the demand to "fund the police" mean?

You probably won't hear mainstream politicians discussing these ideas, but you may see them on protest signs. If these demands are new to you, prison abolitionist @jaybeware has a brief explanation in a Twitter thread. See also Angela Davis's book, "Are Prisons Obsolete?"

If you plan to attend a physical protest, here are some useful links to make sure you have everything you need to stay safe. What to bring to a peaceful protest - Vice's guide to what to bring to a protest.

Protect your protest - A detailed plan for keeping yourself and others safe during a protest.

How to protect your phone from the police before going to a protest - Gizmodo's how-to on protecting your phone data.

ACLU Know your rights - Everything you need to know about your rights as a protester and what to do if you are detained by police.